Allen intent on Academy creating new identity

25 July 2018 08:05 By Sam Williamson

Tigers Academy lead coach Anthony Allen says last season's unbeaten season and Under-18 League title success needs to be left in the past by this year's squad as they look to build their own identity ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Speaking exclusively to LTTV at Welford Road, Allen knows elements of last year's group will assist the current crop but stressed the importance in the development of the new squad in building a fresh culture ahead of the new season.

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Asked about the Grand Final win over Gloucester to secure an undefeated Under-18 League season, Allen said: "We're not talking about it."

"That's last year, this is a different group of players and they've got to get together and ensure we're as tight as we were last year."

Anthony Allen

While Tigers culture is to compete for silverware and seek victory in every performance for the club, centre-turned-coach Allen admits at Academy level the development of the individuals in their own careers and through the grades at the club outweighed purely winning games.

"Our job is to develop the lads to get to that next step," Allen said.

"We don't go out and not try to win - that is just the outcome.

"Ultimately we want them to win. But our focus is on the players getting better in their time in the Academy."

The academy's pre-season schedule, like the senior squad, is entering its second month and Allen is impressed by the new group and their commitment to training so far.

"The boys are working hard," he said. "We're in a good spot and need to keep the momentum going. While it's early days, it seems like a good group."

I just keep trying to make as many contributions as possible and continuing to improve, while passing on my knowledge."

Anthony Allen

Now entering the fourth year of his own development as a coach after a successful career as a player, including more than 120 games for Tigers, Allen says he is looking to continue his own growth in the role.

"I am looking forward to it," Allen said. "I just keep trying to make as many contributions as possible and continuing to improve, while passing on my knowledge to as many players as possible."

Scroll down to see the full interview with Allen on LTTV and keep an eye on LeicesterTigers.com throughout the build-up to the new season for exclusive chats with members of this year's academy squad.

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